DALTON, Mass. —  

Mr. John P. Kozak, 71, of Dalton, died suddenly on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.

He was born in Adams on May 27, 1954, a son of the late Walter and Helen (Tworig) Kozak. He attended schools in Adams and graduated from Hoosac Valley High School.

Mr. Kozak owned and operated his own logging and trucking business for many years, eventually retiring from Berkshire Hardwoods. Earlier, he had been a machinist for Beloit Corp.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing, camping, and story-telling with his friends and family between the Berkshires and the state of Florida. He enjoyed using his “personal days”, afforded to him from his retirement, to spend quality time with his granddaughter whom he adored.

He is survived by his wife, the former Denice M. Lapier whom he married on August 14, 2004; his son, John P. Kozak, II and his significant other Mariah Hill of Dalton; his daughter, Jacqueline Kozak of Hinsdale; his stepson Rico Traversa of Peru; his stepdaughter Heather Traversa and her significant other Jack Stimpson of Pittsfield; he was “Pops” to his granddaughter Liliana Kozak, his step granddaughter Rebecca Stimpson, and step grandson Casey Wasille; his brother Walter Kozak and his wife Donna of Cheshire; by his sister Nancy Kozak of Cheshire and by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Theresa Mille.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, May 28th at 4:00 P.M. on the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams.

Calling hours are Thursday from 2:00 P.M. until the time of the service in the funeral home.

The family requests the omission of flowers and suggests memorial donations be made to the Liliana Kozak Education Fund through the funeral home.

To leave a message of condolence or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com.